Indication-circuit for railway-traffic-controlling devices.



P. UTNE.

INDICATION CIRCUIT FOR RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING DEVICES.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 13, 1914- 11. 1 SLQQW Pa ent d Mar. 9, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET L INVENTOR WITNESSES THE NORRIS PETERS CO.. PHOTG-LITHQ. WASHINGTON. D1 C.

P. UTNE.

INDICATION CIRCUIT FDR RAILWAY TRAFFIC CONTROLLING DEVICES. APPLICATION FILED AUG. 13, 1914.

1,131,29T, Patented Mar.9,1915.

2 SHBETSSHEET 2.

INVENTOR HIS NORRIS PETERS c0. HHOIU-LJHOH WASHINGTON. D. C.

PER UTNE, 0F EDGEWOOD BOROUGI'I, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE UNION SWITCH 6t SIGNAL COMPANY, 01 SVJISSVALE, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

INDICATIGN-CIRCUIT FOR RAILWAY-TR-AFFIC-CONTROLLING DEVICES.

Application filed August 13, 1914.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that 1, PER UTNE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Edgewood Borough, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful lmprovements in ludication-Circuits for Railway-Trafhc-Gontrolling Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to railway traffic controlling apparatus, and particularly to indication apparatus for the switches of railway crossovers.

I will describe one form of apparatus embodying my invention and will then point out the novel features thereof in claims.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing a railway crossover having applied thereto one form of indication apparatus embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the position of certain parts of the apparatus after the switches have been reversed. Fig. 3 is a view showing a modification of part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

Referring first to Fig. 1, '1 and T are two parallel railway tracks, which tracks are connected by a crossover comprising track rails T and switches A and B. When these switches are set in the positions shown in Fig. 1, which I will term the normal positions, traffic will not be diverted from track to track, but when the switches are moved to what I shall term their reverse position, as shown in Fig. 2, traffic is diverted from track T and T or vice versa. Each switch is provided with a motor M capable of op erating a switch actuating mechanism F. As here shown, each motor M comprises two solenoids 10 and 11, which control a reciprocating plunger 12, which latter is operatively connected with a cam plate 37. This plate is provided with a cam slot 38, which actuates a roller or stud 39 operatively connected with the switch rails by means of a connection 40. It will be seen that reciprocation of the plunger 12 will cause reverse movements of the corresponding switch. @peratively connected with the plates 37 are circuit controllers P and P for purposes which I will hereinafter explain.

Although I have herein shown one particular type of motor device and switch ac- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar 9, M915.

Serial No. 856,706.

tuating mechanism, it is understood that I do not limit myself to this particular type, but that any suitable kind of motor and switch actuating mechanism may be employed.

The motors M, M are controlled by means of a circuit controlling lever C, which is usually one of a plurality of similar levers comprised in an interlocking machine.

This lever C may be of any suitable type: as

here shown, it comprises a shaft 13 which is adapted to oscillate and which operates a contact finger 18 for the control of the circuits for the solenoids of motors M, M. The control circuits for these solenoids are herein shown in dash lines for the purpose of distinction, the circuits for the indication apparatus being shown in solid lines.

19 designates a source of current, which, as here shown, is a direct current generator.

in the arrangement of the control circuits herein shown, one or the other of the solenoids 10 or 11 of each switch motor M is connected with the source of current 19 according as contact finger 18 engages with contact or 14. It is understood, however, that this arrangement of control of the motor devices M by the lever C is merely illustrative and that 1 do not wish to limit myself to this particular arrangement. The movements of the shaft 13 are as usual controlled by indication apparatus which, as here shown, comprises two indication devises K and K one for each direction of movement. Each of these indication devices comprises a segment 27 fixed to the shaft 13 and provided with a dog 28 adapted to engage with a latch 29, which latches are controlled respectively by electromagnets N and B. Each of the electromagnets N and it is provided with a circuit which is controlled by an electromagnetic device D as hereinafter explained. The circuits for these indication magnets are also controlled by contacts 25 and 26 operated by shaft 13. lhese contacts are not moved during the first portion of the movement of the shaft 13 up to the point at which it is stopped by the dog 28 of one or the other of the indication devices, but during the remainder of the movement of the shaft, the contacts 25 and 26 are reversed in position. This operation of contacts 25 and 26 is, as here shown, accomplished by mounting the contact fingers loosely on the shaft 13, and moving them by pins 31 carried by collars 35 fixed on the shaft 13. It is understood, however, that the means herein shown for operating the contacts and 26 is merely illustrative, and that Ldo not wish to limit myself to this particular means.

The electromagnetic device D in the form shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a relay comprising two contacts. One of these contacts 1%, which I will term .the neutral contact, is responsive to the presence or absence of current in the relay, while the other contact 15,. which I will term the polarized contact, is responsive only to reversals of current in the relay. The relay D is provided with a circuit which is controlled by the circuit controllers P and P, each of which comprises one movable contact finger 16 and 16*. These circuit controllers and the connections therefor are so arranged that when both 7 switches are in normal position, as shown in Fig. 1, relay D is energized from generator 19 in one direction so that its polarized contact 15 occupies one extreme position, and that when both switches are in their reverse position, as shown in Fig. 2, relay D will be Y energized in the opposite direction so that its polarized contact 15 occupies the other extreme position. Under all other circumstances, that is, when the switches are not both in the normal or both in the reverse positions, the neutral contact 14: of relay D will be open, thereby preventing the energization of either indication magnet N or R. With the parts in the position shown in Fig. 1, that is, when switches A and B are in their normal positions, relay D is energized by the following circuit: from generator 19 through wires 21 and 72, contact finger 16, wire 23, relay D, wires 24: and 73, contact finger 16*, wires 69 and 22 to generator 19. The relay D is thereby energized in such direction that contact 1563 is closed and contact 1563 is open, so that normal indication magnet N was energized before its circuit was opened at contact 26.

WVhen it is desired to move switches A and B from their normal to their reverse positions, the shaft 13'of control lever C is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow until the dog 28 of indication device K engages the latch 29. In this position the contact finger 18 has been disengaged from contact 4A and has engaged contact 45 so that solenoids 10 of both motor devices M are energized through the followingcircuit from generator 19, through wires 59 and 52, contact finger 18, contact 45, wire 53, solenoid 10 of motor M for switch A, wire 64, solenoid 10 of motor M for switch B, wires 65, 66 and 22 to generator 19. This causes solenoids 10 to draw the plungers 12 to the right, thereby shifting the plates. 37. so that the rollers 39 are moved by the cam slots 38 and the switches A. and B are reversed. As soon as this movement begins and while the right-hand longitudinal portions of slots 38 are moving past the rollers 39, the circuit controllers 1 P and P are operated so that contact fingers 16 and 16 disengage from contact members 48 and 68, respectively, and engage with fixed contact members 46, and 46, respectively. Relay D is then placed on the following short circuit: from relay D through wire 28, contact finger 16, contact member &6, wires 70 and 21 to relay D; a branch short circuit is also closed from wire 23 through wire 80, contact member L6, contact finger 16, wires 73 and 2 1 to relay D. The neutral contact 11 of relay D is then open, so that neither indication magnet N or R- can be energized. The purpose of placing relay D on short circuit is to prevent the false operation of relay D by any current which might leak into wires 23 and 24:. The contact fingers of both circuit controllers continue to engage the fixed contact just mentioned while the switches A and B are being moved by the inclined portion of the slots 38. When the movement of switches A and B is complete and the left-hand longitudinal portions of the slots 38 are moving past the rollers 39, the contact fingers 16 and 16 of circuit controllers P and P move to engage fixed contacts 68 and 48* respectively. These are the positions in which the parts are shown inFig. 2, from which it will be seen that relay D is now connected with generator 19 in the opposite direction, the circuit now being from generator 19 through wires 21 and 71, contact finger 16", wires 73 and 2%, relay D, wire 23, contact finger 16, wires 75 and 22, to generator 19. Relay D is now energized in such direction that contact 1563" is closed and the reverse indication magnet R is then energized by the following circuit (Fig. 1) :from generator 19, through wires 21, 59, 67 and 60, magnet R, wire 58, contact finger 25, wire 57, contact 6315, contact 11 of relay D, wires 56 and 22 to generator 19. Magnet R then raises its armature, thereby raising the latch 29 out of the path of dog 28 of indication device K so that the movement of shaft 13 can be continued to the end of the stroke. During this last portion of the moven'ient, contact 25 is opened, thereby opening at this point the circuit for magnet R, and contact 26 is closed thereby closing at that point the circuit for magnet N. The operation of the apparatus for the movement of the switches A and B from the reverse to their normal position would be similar to that just explained, hence it need not be described here in detail. Assume now that in response to movement of the lever C from normal toward reverse position switch B makes a complete movement to the reverse position and switch A fails to move from its normal position. Circuit controller P would then reverse while circuit controller P would remain as shown in Fig. 1. Belay D would then be disconnected from power mains 21 and 22 and placed on the following short circuit :from relay D, through wire 23, contact finger 16 and contact point 48, wires 72, 21 and 71, contact point 48 and contact finger 16 of circuit controller P, wires 73 and 24: to relay D. Belay D would then be de-nergized, thus opening contact 14 and preventing energization of reverse indication magnet B, and thereby preventing completion of the movement of lever C. For similar reasons relay D would be de'elnergized in case switch A makes a complete movement to reverse position and switch B remains in the normal position, the short circuit then being from wire 23 through finger 16, wires 75, 22 and 69, finger 16" to wires 73 and 24. I will now assume that when the parts are in the positions shown in Fig. 1, the lever C is moved toward reverse position and that switch A makes a complete movement to reverse position but that switch B makes a partial movement and is then blocked. This may occur, for example, in case of a stone or piece of coal falling between the rails of switch B. Belay D is again disconnected from the generator 19 and is placed on the following short circuit :from relay D through wires 28 and 80, contact finger 16*, wires 73 and 24 to relay D. Hence, relay D is deenergized so that its contact 1% is open, thereby preventing the energization of indication magnet R to permit completion of the movement of lever G. A similar result follows if switch B makes a complete movement and switch A is blocked in mid-stroke. It will be seen from the foregoing that whenever either switch is intermediate its extreme positions, and whenever the switches do not occupy correspond ing positions, relay D is disconnected from generator 19 and is placed on short circuit so that its neutral contact lt is open and neither indication magnet N or It can then be energized.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the circuit controller P for switch A connects one terminal 28 of relay D with one pole or the other of generator 19 according as the switch is in one extreme position or the other and that it connects this terminal with terminal 24 of relay D through a lowresistance shunt when the switch is intermediate its extreme positions; and it will also be seen that circuit controller P for switch B similarly connects terminal 2 1 of the relay with one pole or the other of the source according as the switch is in oneextreme position or the other, or with relay terminal 23 through a lowresistance shunt when the switch is intermediate the extreme positions. The parts are so arranged that the two terminals of relay D are con nected with opposite poles of the source when the switches are in corresponding extreme positions, so that the relay is then energized; hence when the switches are in opposite extreme positions (one normal and the other reverse), both terminals of the relay are connected with the same pole of the source so that the relay is then deenergized and is on short circuit.

Referring now to Fig. 3, in the modification here shown the polarized electromagnetic device which is controlled by the circuit controllers at the switches is adapted to the direct mechanical control of the latches 29 of the indication devices K and K. The electromagnetic device, which I have here designated D, comprises a magnet having two coils 84 and 85 whichare connected directly with the wires 23 and 24: leading to the circuit controllers at the switches, and a polarized armature 86 pivotally mounted at point 87. This armature, when swung in one direction or the other according to the direction of current in the coils 84-8-5, raises latch 29 of one indication device or the other out of the path of the corresponding dog 28. This armature is preferably biased to the intermediate or horizontal position by a counterweight 88, so that it will be swung to the intermediate position as soon as the coils 84, 85, are denergized; when in this intermediate position neither latch 29 is raised from its segment 27. It is, of course, understood that the latches 29 are guided by suitable fixed means to prevent them from being moved laterally by the dogs 28.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8 will be apparent from the foregoing explanation of that shown in Fig. 1. As soon the switches start to move in response to a preliminary movement of lever C, the magnet coils 84, 85 are placed on short circuit so that armature 86 is then moved to its intermediate position by counterweight 88. The movement of the lever to its final position is then prevented by latch 29 of indication device K until both switches have completed their movement in response to the preliminary movement of lever 0.

Although I have herein shown and described only certain forms of apparatus embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim is:

1. In combination, a railway crossover comprising two switches, indication means for said switches, an electromagnetic device responsive to reversals of current for controlling said indication means, a source of current, means associated with one switch for connecting one terminal of the electromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other, and means associated with the other switch for connecting the other terminal of said electromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source, according as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other, the two terminals of said electromagnetic device being connected with opposite poles of said source when the switches occupy corresponding extreme positions.

2. In combination, a railway crossover comprising two switches, indication means for said switches, an electro-magnetic device responsive to reversals of current for controlling said indication means, a source of current, means associated with one switch for connecting one terminal of the electromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other, and means associated with the other switch for connecting the other terminal of said elec tromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other, he two terminals of said electromagnetic device being connected with opposite poles of said source when the switches occupy corresponding extreme positions, and the two terminals of said electromagnetic device being connected with the same pole of said source when the switches occupynon-corresponding extreme positions whereby the electromagnetic device is then de'energized and on short circuit.

3. In combination, a railway crossover.

magnetic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch oecupies one extreme position or the other, and means associated with the other switch for connecting the other terminal of said electromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source acording as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other, the two terminals of said electromagnetic device being connected with opposite poles of said source when the switches occupy corresponding extreme positions, and means also associated with each switch for placing said electromagnetic device on'short circuit when the switch occupies an intermediate position.

In combination, a railway crossover comprising two switches A and B, indication means for said switches, an electromagnetic device responsive to reversals of current for controlling said indication means, a source of current, means associated with one switch A for connecting one terminal 23 of the electromag netic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch occupies one extreme position, or the other and for disconnecting said terminal from the source and connecting it with the other terminal 2&- of the electroimignetic device when the switch occupies an intermediate position, and means associated with the other switch B for connecting terminal 2i of said electromagnetic device with one pole or the other of said source according as the switch occupies one extreme position or the other and for disconnecting said terminal 2 1: from the source and connecting it with the other terminal 23 of the electromagnetic device when the switch occupies an intermediate position, the two terminals of said electromagnetic device being connected with opposite poles of said source when the switches occupy corresponding extreme positions.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

PER UTNE. Vitnesses A. HERMAN VVneNnn, B. L. Kisrnnn.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five ents eaclL bv addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

Washington, D. G. 

